Reykjavík University (RU), known in Icelandic as Háskólinn í Reykjavík, stands as Iceland's largest private university, serving approximately 3,300 students. Chartered by key Icelandic economic organizations—the Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Icelandic Industries, and the Confederation of Icelandic Employers—RU plays a significant role in the nation's educational landscape. The university is distinguished by its bilingual environment, offering
instruction in both English and Icelandic, and is structured into two main schools encompassing seven academic departments. Its history reflects a steady evolution from specialized colleges to a comprehensive university, emphasizing technology, business, and law.
Academic Structure and Course Offerings
Reykjavík University is organized into two primary schools: the School of Social Sciences and the School of Technology. The School of Social Sciences includes the Department of Law, Department of Business Administration, Department of Sport Science, and Department of Psychology. Within the School of Technology, students can find the Department of Computer Science, Department of Engineering, and Department of Applied Engineering. This structure allows for a broad range of academic pursuits, catering to diverse student interests and professional needs.
All departments at Reykjavík University offer three-year study programs leading to either a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. Beyond undergraduate studies, the university provides graduate and PhD programs, all of which are taught in English, attracting a diverse international student body. Additionally, RU offers preliminary studies for students requiring further preparation before commencing their university education, as well as an Open University that delivers executive education courses tailored for professionals. This comprehensive approach ensures accessibility and continuous learning opportunities for a wide audience.
Historical Development and Mergers
Reykjavík University's origins can be traced back to the Commercial College of Iceland, School of Computer Science (TVÍ), established in January 1988. For its first decade, TVÍ operated within the facilities of the Commercial College of Iceland (VÍ). The university officially began its first semester on September 1, 1998, in a new building under the initial name Reykjavík School of Business. TVÍ subsequently became one of two departments within this new school. The need for a more descriptive name became apparent due to the expanding variety of the school's operations, leading to its renaming as Reykjavík University in January 2000.
Further expansion and integration marked RU's development. In the autumn of 2002, the School of Law was established, adding another significant academic discipline. A major milestone occurred in 2005 when Reykjavík University merged with the Technical University of Iceland (THÍ), retaining the name Reykjavík University. This merger led to the creation of the School of Science and Engineering, which built upon THÍ's existing foundation while incorporating new engineering fields. This strategic consolidation strengthened RU's position as a leading institution for both social sciences and technology.
Research and International Engagement
Research is a core component of Reykjavík University's mission, with a focus on technology, business, and law. The university actively participates in formal implementation programs aligned with the European Commission's policies regarding the working environment of researchers. In 2016, RU scientists demonstrated their productivity by publishing 245 articles, posters, and abstracts in peer-reviewed conferences, symposia, and proceedings, alongside 177 articles in peer-reviewed scholarly journals. This output highlights the university's commitment to advancing knowledge in its key areas of study.
Reykjavík University also maintains a strong international presence through partnerships with numerous universities and companies in research and education. For instance, it offers a double degree in computer science in collaboration with the University of Camerino. Students benefit from exchange programs through Nordplus and other partnership networks. RU is an active member of the University of the Arctic (UArctic), an international cooperative network comprising over 200 institutions dedicated to promoting education and research in the Circumpolar Arctic region. The university participates in UArctic's north2north mobility program, enabling students to study in various parts of the North, further enhancing its global reach and collaborative spirit.
